"Physically, I've gotten to the point where it doesn't make sense," Vonn said.

"I really would like to be active when I'm older, so I have to look to the future and not just be so focused on what's in front of me."

Lindsey Vonn

On Twitter after her announcement, Vonn said: "My experiences on the slopes have helped shape me into who I am today. I'm confident those same lessons will pay off as I begin to explore what's next for my career."

Vonn plans to race every downhill and super-G in 2018-19 in her efforts to break the the 30-year-old record.

Although she has raced in selected giant slalom and slalom races in the past, she will focus on the speed disciplines this winter, with the first race of her final season at Lake Louise in Canada on 30th November.